Anorexia and the Film/Fashion Industry

Opinion: The Hollywood film and related fashion industry have in their own unwitting way contributed to anorexia, intentional starving to achieve thinness. It’s a paradox. In a country in which there is an epidemic of obesity because calorie-laden salt and sugar and fructose-impregnated foods and sodas are creating a generation of 300-pound children.

In the same country, women are starving themselves to achieve the look of a movie star or fashion model---a look that can never be fulfilled. No matter how thin you are, for some, it’s never enough.

Anorexia is not a disease as practicing anorexics contend. That’s just an excuse to take responsibility away from what you put in your own mouth. A real disease, like cancer for example, happens when a cell mutates and does so without your knowledge and against your wishes.

Anorexia is not a disease. It is a compulsion----to achieve a look. What you put in your mouth or don’t is a decision that you make (unlike cancer).

But can you imagine websites that promote starving by preying on the insecurity of troubled women who want to look like a Hollywood starlet or fashion model? These girls who starve themselves want to achieve perfection----that can’t be achieved.

Oh man!

There exists Pro Anorexia & Pro Bulimia web sites with tips and guidance for getting into an Ed (Eating Disorder). They have trendy lingo, in-words, only they understand, psychologically slapping themselves on the back for being part of an exclusive group.

“Are you pro ana (practicing anorexia)?” a woman asks another.

“No I’m mia (bulimic),” the other answers.

This is mostly a woman thing. Guys, for the most part, don’t get into anorexia. I think it’s because the fashion and film industries teach that appearance, like money, is the sole indicator of a person’s worth as a human being.

I might start a web site about the benefits of jumping off a cliff headfirst (the air whistling through your ears improves hearing……briefly).

How about a web site that extols the virtues of smashing your thumb with a hammer (feels so good when you stop).

I love how these ana pro web sites promote caloric fascism. While wasting away, you’re allowed to lord it over other people.

“Watch what other people, especially fat people, eat, and feel superior,” a bulimia pro web site advises. “Because fat people are feeding their fat bodies and getting fatter.”

Wow! Get hungry enough and it makes you mean.

A special fasting diet is provided. For the first six days, you allow yourself no food, but juices, water, diet soda…..hard liquor? (Eases the pain).

You’re also advised to stealthily check the refrigerator at night, throw food out you might eat, and the next day tell relatives you ate it (Gee! It could have been sent to starving children in Columbia who practice being pro ana unwillingly).

“Don’t bring up the subject of food around other people,” the tips continue. “But have your excuses ready for not eating in case they should bring the subject up. Saying you don’t feel good, picked up something on the way home, or are eating dinner at someone else’s house are good excuses.”

“Don’t use the same one (excuse) all the time,” the bulimia pro web site adds.

All these pro anorexia and pro bulimia web sites generously recommend rewarding yourself for successful starving. Buying food is not allowed, but the purchase of a new CD, or a set of (smaller size) clothing make nice gifts.

While you’re at it, if you continue starving yourself, you might also price a mortuary (discounts given for thinner bodies).

Photo Credits: Bob Charlotte / PR Photos

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